Student to Student

Q: I'm in the thick of application craziness! Tips?

A: Don’t sell yourself short! Apply to schools even if you think that they’re a reach. The worst that can happen is they say no. Who knows, you may surprise yourself!

Do your research! Explore university web pages and learn more about the schools you are interested in. Look up offered programs, scholarships, courses, sports, clubs, nightlife, etc. Email your admissions representative and try to set up a lunch or online conversation with an alum or current student in your area!

Stand out! Your essay is your chance to let your personality shine. Avoid the cookie-cutter essays and really make the effort to stand out from other applicants. Your resume, too, is a great way to show the university how you choose to spend your time.

It’s okay to not know! If you are unsure of what path you want to follow do not stress out. Many students enter their freshman year without knowing their intended major. Most schools do not require you to declare a major until your sophomore year, so you have time to explore different areas of study. You aren’t alone!

Our summer intern Laura Card is a sophomore at Colgate University, where she plans to major in Biology and Women's Studies. 

Personality Pays Off

When applying to graduate business schools, students often feel the need to let numbers and accomplishments alone tell their story.  Essays written like professional memos tend to get lackluster results.  Remember, when admission committees are reviewing applications they want to create a class of individuals that will work well with others, have the interpersonal skills to be sought after by employers, and be ambassadors for the school.  Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through the writing and tell an interesting and engaging story.  And yes, make sure you have that killer resume ready to go as well! 

Ask the Consultant

Q: I’m finally to the point where I feel like my essay is done.  Should I show it to a third party for comment?

A: Over the years we have seen students swing from confident to questioning after they have shared their college essay with others for comment.  Your aunt who is a copy writer or the next-door neighbor who is an English teacher is truly trying to be helpful, but the very act of giving your essay to someone else for comment means that they feel a duty to critique the piece.  Often, too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth.  The most important element in your essay is authenticity, and we have found that when too many people try to insert their ideas, the personality of the author tends to get lost.  That doesn’t mean that you have nailed it on the first draft or you shouldn’t scrub it for grammar mistakes.  It takes many drafts to get a college essay to the point of being brag worthy.  However, when it gets there, own it -- be proud of it and move forward with confidence.

Spell Chick Doesn't Catch Everything!

When I glance at an article in a newspaper or magazine, I find that misspelled words tend to jump out at me. Really! I don’t know why I can see them so quickly, but I do. So when I read a major newspaper headline the other day, and it stated that their interest was peaked, I was startled! Didn’t they mean piqued?! I shook my head and decided not to read on. Spelling mistakes happen to all of us, especially when we are hurried, but correct spelling and word usage may be all it takes to assure that the reader will read to the end.

 With college essay season in full swing, now is not the time to relax your standards. If you do, you may end up saying something that you don’t mean. Did you mean to write that College A is defiantly your first choice or definitely your first choice? Is that your favorite causal restaurant or your favorite casual restaurant? Did you volunteer as a candy stripper or candy striper? We have seen all of these mistakes! 

Remember that spell check doesn’t catch everything. Our best advice is to have a fresh set of eyes read your essay before you hit send. Even better - have someone read it aloud to you! Doing so should catch any spelling errors or misplaced words. That being said, small mistakes happen, so once your application is submitted, let it go and be satisfied that you've done your best. 

The 2017-18 Common Application is Live!

Yes, it's still summer, but the first day of school will be here before you know it! So why not get cracking on your Common App? There's a lot to do...

Your First College Essay Draft

Writing a quality college essay can be very daunting and involves a unique approach with which most students have never had experience.  How do you show who you are without telling? How do you find your own voice?  We help lead you through that process.  

I like to use the example of telling someone how to swim when they have never been in the water.  Once they actually get in the pool, they may flail around a bit before putting together a stroke.  Similarly, in writing the essay, it may take several drafts before you get the hang of showing who you are.  In fact, it is not unusual for a student’s first draft to yield very little usable material.  So don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts get tossed! The final result, after much tossing and tweaking, will be a work of art!